Swimming coach Hannah Creelman has walked off with top honours at an annual awards ceremony.

The Thirsk White Horse Swim Team coach was crowned Young Coach of the Year at the Annual North Yorkshire Sports Conference.

An avid swimmer - and previous Captain of the North Yorkshire team for her age group - Hannah became interested in teaching at the age of 14 under the watchful eye of experienced Thirsk coach Dave Smith.

At 16 she passed the ASA Assistant Teachers Award and began teaching youngsters at both Thirsk Swimming Pool and Hambleton Leisure Centre. At 18, Hannah became the youngest person in the north to pass the ASA full teachers award.

Hannah was on her way to Sheffield University in the summer of 2004 when former Australian Olympic champion Dave Smith left the Thirsk club to return to his native land.

That prompted Hannah to take a year out before University and attempt to qualify as a swimming coach.

After months of exams and practical work she achieved her goal in February this year - making her one of the youngest swimming coaches in the country.

Part of the costs of her continuing development have been met by Hambleton Leisure Centre.

"Hannah is a truly remarkable young lady," said Facilities Manager Steven Lister.

"Thirsk is very lucky to have been able to benefit from her experience and her dedication. I would like to pass on our thanks and best wishes to Hannah in her chosen career."

She begins a course in Physiotherapy at Sheffield University in the Autumn. But having already been approached by clubs in Sheffield, she intends to further her coaching career whilst at university - and promises not to forget the small market town in the North that gave her the break!

"Thirsk White Horse has helped me immensely and I will always be grateful to its members for the chances that they have given me," she said.

She is currently training for the 100 metre freestyle event at this years Commonwealth Games trials.

Thirsk White Horse Swim Team trains daily at Thirsk Swimming Pool, for more information contact (01845) 522447. For more information about the soon-to-be-vacant position of Head Coach, contact Club Secretary Gary Ient on 0795 013 6693.